Product dispensing apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A product dispensing apparatus includes a housing and at least one panel movable between open and closed positions. The movable panel may be completely separate from the other portions of the dispensing apparatus and simply incorporated into the other portions of the dispensing apparatus so that it can be movable. Alternatively, the movable panel may form an integral portion of the remaining walls of the product dispensing apparatus. The product dispensing apparatus may include indicia to attract attention and provide an enhanced visual appearance to the product dispensing apparatus. The product dispensing apparatus according to the present invention may dispense any type of products, including treats, beverage containers, food items, personal hygiene items, medical products, and any other type of product that lends itself to dispensing from a container.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to product dispensing devices. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to product dispensing devices withmovable panels to selectively dispense one or more items held inside ofthe dispensing device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Dispensing containers of all types have existed for many years.Dispensing devices may comprise anything from completely open containersto enclosed containers with movable panels or parts for opening thecontainer. Dispensing containers come in all different sizes and shapes,and may serve various purposes.

[0003] Products of all different types need to be dispensed, dependingon the particular environment, in an appropriate manner. Products suchas drink containers (e.g., beer cans, soda cans, juice boxes, etc.),toothbrushes, packages of crayons, medical devices (e.g., needles), foodproducts, candy, treats, pens and pencils, golf tees, mints andtoothpicks at a restaurant, and many other potential products need tofirst be transported securely, and subsequently need to be dispensed ina proper manner.

[0004] One particular time of year when dispensing containers areparticularly useful is Halloween. During Halloween, most homes and otherlocations pass out candy and treats using a trick-or-treat theme. Thecandy is typically passed out in containers. Children are fascinated bythe trick-or-treat atmosphere. Candy and other treats are passed out ateach home or other location. Each new door or stopping point brings anew type of surprise.

[0005] The vast majority of Halloween trick-or-treat candy dispensingcontainers are comprised of bowls or other similar open-endedcontainers. The open end allows for easy access to the inside of thecontainers, but does not provide additional excitement, intrigue, orsecurity with respect to the trick-or-treat experience.

[0006] There is a need, therefore, to provide a novel dispensing devicefor beverage containers, candy, treats, or other products. There is alsoa need for a novel dispensing device for Halloween candy, in particular,and other treats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a product dispensing device forall types of products, such as candies, cookies, snacks, treats, drinks,beverage containers, medical or dental products, and other products.More specifically, the present invention relates to a container forselectively dispensing any type of dispensable product by providing oneor more movable panels such that each panel can be positioned to closean opening or dispensing area in the container. Alternatively, eachpanel can be positioned to allow access to the dispensing area where theproducts are held. In one embodiment, the container is a Halloween box.The movable panels may include indicia, such as facial features, themesof any kind (including but not limited to Halloween images), or anyother indicia to provide additional allure, excitement, and fun for thepersons utilizing the product dispensing apparatus.

[0008] The foregoing and other features, utilities, and advantages ofthe invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptionof the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a productdispensing apparatus according to the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the product dispensing apparatusof FIG. 1 with the top panel shown in an open position and one of themovable panels shown in an open position to provide access to dispensingarea of the interior of the container;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a top view of the product dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1in a flat, unfolded position showing all of the panels associated withthe container and the fold lines required to assemble the container,including the two separated movable panels;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aproduct dispensing apparatus according to the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the product dispensing apparatusof FIG. 4 showing a safety tab removed and an extension of a movablepanel shown in a raised, ready-to-dispense position; and

[0014]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the product dispensing apparatusof FIG. 4 with the movable panel shown in a raised position to allowaccess to the dispensing area of the interior of the product dispensingapparatus, specifically for dispensing beverage containers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the present invention comprises a productdispensing apparatus 10 having a main structure in the form of a body orhousing 12 comprising solid or stationary panels and one or moreslidable, positionable, or otherwise moveable panels 14, 16. The variouspanels may be separate or integral, and may be preferably foldedrelative to one another to form the dispensing device 10. Alternatively,it is to be understood that the panels could be individuallymanufactured and assembled using fasteners or other connectors to securethe panels together to form a container. The dispensing device 10 maythus be made from a single sheet of material with the appropriate cutsand fold lines being created in the sheet of material. In oneembodiment, the material used to manufacture the product dispensingapparatus 10 is cardboard, although it will be understood by those inthe art that other suitable materials may be used without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

[0016] The product dispensing apparatus may be used for virtually anysuitable type of products. Specifically, the dispensing device may holdor contain for dispensing purposes, without limitation, candies,cookies, snacks, beverage containers, drinks, medical or dental productsfor use by consumers, or any other types of products that lendthemselves to dispensing.

[0017] The product dispensing apparatus 10 comprises a container definedby a first movable or slidable panel 14 and a second movable or slidablepanel 16. The movable panels are incorporated into or slidably attachedto the main housing 12 to allow up-and-down, sliding movements of thepanels relative to the other stationary portions of the container orhousing 12. The movable panels are held in position and enveloped byspecific side panels that are folded to form, in part, the main body orhousing 12. The panels each include top extension tabs or extensionportions 18, 20, respectively. Each extension tab 18, 20 comprises, inturn, apertures 22, 24, respectively, which may be utilized by the userto move one of the panels between open and closed positions.

[0018] When the dispensing apparatus 10 is to be closed to preventdispensing, slidable panels 14, 16 are moved downward to closedpositions to block openings or dispensing locations 58, 60 (discussedbelow). Extension tabs 18, 20 can be folded down and maintained in adown position by lid 42 (which will secure the container in a closedposition). Alternatively, the tabs 18, 20 can be left extending abovethe lid 42 to allow the dispensing locations 58, 60 to be selectivelyaccessed. Because product tampering can be a problem with respect to thedistribution of certain products, extension tabs 18, 20 can be securedin a down position (and thereby rendered inaccessible) by lid 42.Further, anti-tampering tape or other product safety mechanisms oranti-tampering systems can be employed to deter product tampering. Ifanti-tampering tape is used, for example, the panels 14, 16 could not bemoved or otherwise opened until the box has been unsealed (by cutting orremoving the tape) and opened for the first time.

[0019] The panels 14, 16 may further comprise indicia on theirrespective outside or exterior-facing surfaces such that the indiciawill be exposed during use of the product dispensing apparatus 10. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, each panel 14, 16 includes a first set ofindicia 26, 28, and a second set of indicia 30, 32, respectively. Whenthe slidable, movable panels 14, 16 are in their closed positions, theindicia 26, 28, respectively, are exposed through circular “eye” ordifferently configured openings 56 (discussed below) formed in the mainportion of the container or housing 12. When the slidable panels 14, 16are raised to their open positions, indicia 30, 32, respectively, areexposed through the eye or similar openings and access is allowed to thedispensing areas 58, 60 of container formed by the main housing orcontainer body 12. Access into dispensing areas 58, 60 is provided atthe discretion of the user of the product dispensing apparatus 10.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, and as mentioned, the product dispensingapparatus 10 may comprise a single sheet of cardboard (or any othersuitable material) that is cut as shown in FIG. 3 and formed with foldlines (shown as dashed lines in FIG. 3), such that the entire mainhousing portion 12 can be formed into a container unit with a dispensingability, with the movable panels 14, 16 being slidably disposed insidetwo of the opposite end walls. In this manner, the panels 14, 16 areincorporated into the overall dispensing apparatus 10.

[0021] Panel 40 comprises the bottom wall of the container. Panel 42comprises the top wall of the container. Panel 42 includes a flap 44which serves to lock the lid in position. When the lid 42 is in a closedposition (with movable panel extensions 18, 20 in either uprightpositions or folded-down positions), the flap 44 is inserted on theinside of panel 18. Locking tab 49, integrally extending from panel 48,is inserted into a slot 45 formed inside of top panel to securely holdthe lid 42 in a closed position. Slots 43 (FIG. 3) formed in lid 42allow top extensions 18, 20 of panels 14, 16 to slide up and downrelative to lid 42.

[0022] Panels 46, 48 are solid panels with no central openings. Panels46, 48 form upstanding side walls in the box or container 10. Althoughthe embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 show that movable panels 14, 16 areincorporated into side walls 50, 52, those skilled in the art willunderstand that movable side panels may similarly be incorporated intoside walls 46, 48 to dispense products without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention.

[0023] Referring still to FIG. 3, side panels 50, 52 are side panels inwhich eye apertures 54, 56 (which may be configured in any desiredmanner without departing from the scope of the invention), respectively,are formed as well as access apertures or dispensing locations 58, 60,respectively. Panels 46 and 48 include longitudinal apertures 47 (onpanel 46) and longitudinal apertures 49 (on panel 48) to receive lockingtabs 71 (formed on panel 70) and locking tabs 73 (formed on panel 72).Locking tabs 71, 73 further serve to hold the folded dispensing unit 10together as a whole in a solid, rigid container configuration. Partialpanels 62, 64 are formed adjacent side wall panel 48 and include theirown respective eye openings 66, 68, which, when the entire box orcontainer is folded, correspond with eye apertures 54, 56, respectively.Partial panels 62, 64 provide additional side support for the dispensingapparatus 10.

[0024] Fold-down panels 70, 72 are provided to fold down around movablepanels 14, 16, respectively. These panels further serve to reinforce themain body or container 12 of the product dispensing apparatus 10 toprovide protection for the products held inside the dispensing apparatus10. Panels 70, 72 also include top slots 75, 77, which allow extensions18, 20 of panels 14, 16 to slide up and down relative to the otherportions of the product dispensing apparatus 10. Still further, bottomwall panels 74, 76 are further provided to reinforce the bottom surfaceof the main housing or body 12.

[0025] When producing the product dispensing apparatus 10, the containerformed by apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 3, may be manufactured from asingle piece of corrugated cardboard, plastic, or other suitablematerial. Alternatively, the dispensing apparatus 10 may be made usingseveral different pieces without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Still further, although movable panels 14 and 16 are shown asseparate panels, these panels could also be incorporated into a unitarybody such that the entire product dispensing apparatus 10 could bemanufactured from a single piece of material.

[0026] In operation, after the movable panels 14, 16 are separated, themain housing or body 12 is assembled by folding along the dotted lines(shown in FIG. 3) with the movable panels 14, 16 positioned betweenpanels 50 and 70 (on the one side) and 52, 72 (on the other side). Theresulting structure appears as shown in FIG. 2. With the top panel 42 inan open position, the interior compartment 80 of the housing 12 isfilled with one of any number of different types of treats 90 or othersuitable dispensed product.

[0027] For example, without limitation, the product to be dispensed fromapparatus 10 could be candies, cookies, or any other type of treat orother product. It should be understood that various other types ofproducts may be dispensed utilizing the product dispensing apparatus 10according to the present invention. For example, again withoutlimitation, the product dispensing apparatus could be used to dispensebeverage-containing cans (i.e., a multi-pack of beer or soda) forplacement in the refrigerator. When the user of the device 10 wants toaccess a product or beverage container, one of the movable panels israised to access the interior of the product dispensing apparatus.Thereafter, the movable panel can be moved into a closed position toprevent other cans from rolling out of the dispensing device. Otherpossible examples where a product dispensing apparatus according to thepresent invention may be useful include, still again without limitation,any size or type of can that forms a multi-pack case, any round or ovalshaped package, toothbrushes, crayons (e.g., crayons passed out at arestaurant), medical products (e.g., packaged needles distributed at aneedle exchange), packaged dog treats for distribution at aveterinarian's office, wrapped treats for in-home use, treats andrewards for distributing at school, pens and pencils for distributing tostudents at school, packages of golf tees (or golf tees in bulk), mintsand toothpicks at a restaurant, etc.

[0028] After products have been introduced into the interior compartmentof housing 12, the top panel 42 is closed and the flap 44 is folded downand retaining flap 49 is slid into an aperture 45 formed in top panel 42to hold the entire product dispensing apparatus together. The movablepanels 14, 16 may alternatively be put into open positions (an openposition is shown with respect to panel 14 in FIG. 2) or, alternatively,closed positions (a closed position is shown with respect to movablepanel 14 in FIG. 1).

[0029] In a Halloween context, for example, when a person answers thedoor to handle a trick-or-treat call during Halloween, the display boxcan be shown as set forth in FIG. 1 with the panel 14 in a closedposition. Upon answering to the Halloween “trick-or-treat” challenge,the panel 14 can be raised so that the interior contents or treats 90(FIG. 2) can be accessed by the trick-or-treater. The indicia whichcomprises portions of faces will look different depending on theposition of the panels 14, 16. Additionally, the panels 14 and 16 canhave a non-seasonal look and made with or without indicia for otherrequests for self-dispensed products.

[0030] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 4-6. It is to be understood that the manufacture and assembly ofthe embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 may be substantially similar to theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3. A product dispensing apparatus 100includes a top panel 102, side panels 104 (only one shown), a frontpanel 106, and a movable panel 108. The rear panel and bottom panels arenot shown, but are substantially the same as the rear and bottom panelsshown in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.

[0031] One embodiment of an anti-tampering system 110 is shown withrespect to the apparatus 100 of FIG. 4. The anti-tampering apparatus 110more specifically includes a removable section 112 of the apparatus 100.The small removable panel 112 includes perforations 114 (FIG. 4) tofacilitate its removal from the device 100. The purchaser of thedispensing apparatus 100 can have confidence that the contents heldinside of the product dispensing apparatus 100 have not been tamperedwith if the panel 112 remains in position with the perforations 114remaining intact. The safety system 110 is similar to anti-tamperingseals placed around bottles and the like which, if broken, suggest thattampering has taken place.

[0032] After the portion 112 of top panel 102 is removed, an extensiontab 120 can be raised so that an aperture 122 in the extension 120 isexposed and a user can insert his or her finger into aperture 120 toraise and lower the panel 108. FIG. 5 shows the panel 108 in a closedposition. FIG. 6 shows panel 108 in a raised position so that accessinto the interior or dispensing area 130 of the product dispensingapparatus 100 can be achieved. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, aplurality of beverage containers 140 (only one shown) can be held insidethe dispensing apparatus 100. Thus, the dispensing apparatus 100 mayfunction as a 12-pack container, a 24-pack container, or a containerholding any reasonable number of beverage containers 140 depending onthe particular application. Those skilled in the art will understandthat any given number of products, and any particular types orconfigurations of products, can be utilized without departing from thescope and spirit of the present invention.

[0033] After the desired product 140 is removed from the inside 130 ofdispensing apparatus 100, the panel 108 can be moved to a closedposition, as shown in FIG. 5, for future dispensing on an as-neededbasis.

[0034] While this invention has been described with reference to certainspecific embodiments and examples, it will be recognized by thoseskilled in the art that many variations are possible without departingfrom the scope and spirit of this invention. The invention, as definedby the claims, is intended to cover all changes and modifications of theinvention which do not depart from the spirit of the invention. Thewords “including” and “having,” as used in the specification, includingthe claims, shall have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”

1. A product dispensing apparatus, comprising: a container sized to hold a plurality of products, the container comprising a dispensing area; a first panel incorporated into the container, the panel being movable between open and closed positions; the dispensing area being exposed when the panel is moved to the open position to dispense the products.
 2. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first indicia disposed on a surface of the first panel and a second indicia disposed on the surface of the first panel, wherein the first indicia is exposed when the panel is in the open position and the second indicia is exposed when the panel is in the closed position;
 3. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the panel slides between the open and closed positions
 4. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a second panel incorporated into the container, the second panel being movable between open and closed positions.
 5. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a lid incorporated into the container, the lid allowing access into the container, the lid being lockable to securely hold the products inside the container.
 6. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the products comprise treats.
 7. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the products comprise treats to be handed out during traditional trick-or-treat activities during Halloween.
 8. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein products comprise treats and the first and second indicia comprise Halloween images, the dispensing device being used to dispense treats during trick-or-treat activities.
 9. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein products comprise treats, the first indicia comprises a Halloween image displayed when the panel is in a closed position, and the second indicia comprises a pair of eyes directed toward the dispensing area when the panel is in the open position, the dispensing device being used to dispense treats during trick-or-treat activities.
 10. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an anti-tampering system to prevent the movable panels from being moved until the product dispensing apparatus is opened for a first time.
 11. A method of dispensing treats held inside a container, comprising: providing a container to hold a plurality of treats, the container comprising a dispensing area; providing a movable panel having a first indicia disposed on a surface of the panel and having a second indicia disposed on the surface on the panel, the panel being movable between open and closed positions; moving the panel to a first position to display the first indica; moving the panel to a second position to display the second indicia; exposing the dispensing area when the panel is in the second position.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising blocking the dispensing area when the panel is in the first position.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: a second dispensing area formed in the container; providing a second panel, the second panel having a third indicia disposed on a surface of the second panel and having a fourth indicia disposed on the surface of the second panel, the second panel being movable between open and closed positions; moving the second panel to an open position to display the third indicia; moving the second panel to a closed position to display the fourth indicia; exposing the second dispensing area when the second panel is in the open position.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein the first indicia and the second indicia comprise portions of a face.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein the first indicia and the second indicia comprise portions of a face.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein the first indicia and the second indicia comprise at least in part Halloween images, and further comprising using the container during traditional trick-or-treat activities.
 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: providing a lid to access inside the container; securing the lid in a closed position to prevent the panel from being moved to expose the dispensing area.
 18. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising an anti-tampering system to prevent the movable panels from being moved until the product dispensing apparatus is opened for a first time.
 19. A product dispensing apparatus, comprising: a container sized to hold a plurality of products, the container comprising a dispensing area; a first panel incorporated into the container, the panel being movable between open and closed positions; a second panel incorporated into the container, the second panel being movable between open and closed positions; a first dispensing area being exposed when the first panel is moved to the open position to dispense the products held inside the container; a second dispensing area being exposed when the second panel is moved to the open position to dispense the products held inside the container; indicia disposed on the first panel and the second panel, the indicia comprising portions of faces, the indicia changing upon movement of the first and second panels.
 20. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the indicia comprise Halloween images.
 21. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the products comprise treats handed out during traditional trick or treat activities.
 22. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the indicia comprise Halloween images and the products comprise treats handed out during traditional trick or treat activities.
 23. A product dispensing apparatus, comprising: a product dispensing apparatus sized to hold a plurality of beverage containers, the product dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing area; a first panel incorporated into the product dispensing apparatus, the first panel being movable between open and closed positions; the dispensing area being exposed when the panel is moved to the open position to dispense beverage containers.
 24. A product dispensing apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising an anti-tampering device incorporated into the product dispensing apparatus to deter product tampering. 